Solar power cable lasts ‘25+ years’
Multi-Contact has introduced its new FLEX-SOL-XL cable for solar power applications.
The single pole, double insulated cable has been developed for heavy duty, low voltage, outdoor or indoor wiring and, says the company, has an expected usable lifetime in photovoltaic (PV) applications of 25 years or more.
According to Multi-Contact, use of chemical cross linking in the insulation produces greater reproducibility and increased material homogeneity, as well as giving the cable improved long term temperature stability in high humidity environments. The company says the new insulation also provides higher mechanical strength, improved abrasion resistance and greater flexibility in cold conditions.
FLEX-SOL-XL's design with a fine wire stranded tinned copper core is designed to ensure its electrical and mechanical performance remains constant over the lifetime of the PV installation.
The cables are halogen free, flame retardant with low smoke emission and conform to RoHS regulations. They are certified to the latest TÜV standards and UL approval is pending.
Available in three standard colours, the cable has nominal cross sections from 1.5 to 10.mm2, corresponding to current ratings from 30 to 98A, all with a rated voltage of 1000Vdc. Multi-Contact says that its temperature stability means that it can withstand temperatures of -40 to 120°C for longer than 20 000 h, as opposed to >500 h for earlier cables.
